A new inductee of the centenarian club has attributed her longevity to ‘hard work and good food’.
Mildred Astley, who lives in Waverton, had a ‘whale of a time’ celebrating her 100th birthday on January 13.
Volunteers and fellow members of Waverton Day Centre – where Mildred has been going for 16 years – threw her a special party, complete with musical entertainment by the Chester Ukelele Band.
“They gave me such a wonderful time,” she said.
“I had a whale of a time and was so tired the next day.
“They did me proud.”
Mildred, who was born in Wrenbury, joined the civil service when she was just 16 and was originally meant to be a telephonist, which she deemed ‘too tame’ so asked to be given a customer-facing role because she loves talking to people so much.
A lover of music, Mildred taught herself to play piano and enjoys leading her friends at Waverton Day Centre in a good old-fashioned sing-song.
Her favourite acts to listen to are Katherine Jenkins and ABBA.
Keeping busy
Mildred, who has one daughter called Valerie, says the secrets to her long life are ‘hard work and good food and keeping the mind occupied’.
Judith Moulds, chairperson of Waverton Day Centre, said: “Mildred is amazing.
“She is very musical. She loves listening to music and she sings very loudly.”
Waverton Day Centre offers activities, friendship and a cooked lunch to up to 12 older people from Waverton, Christleton and Rowton.
It is supported by CWAC and run by volunteers each Tuesday.
“I had a really lovely birthday and I shall look forward to the next one,” Mildred added.
